"Dominus Vobiscum" - the Lord be with you. This is a very powerful piece of fine art. This self portrait is representing some sort of pain - whether it be in sadistic pain, or persecution. Most of the white in the painting is the orignal raw canvas. The varnish enhances the graphite pencil, darkens it, and creates some streaking effect. My work is very emotional, and not overworked - I consider it perfectly imperfect. When I feel that the painting has the feeling I intend it to feel, then I stop painting - varnish, and consider the work complete. You may find paint on the back of the canvas, splotches on the sides, streaks of graphite pencil in areas - all are there to create the feel of the piece.